Wireless Phone Users In Southeast Arizona Can Now Access The Nation's Most Reliable Wireless Network

SIERRA VISTA, AZ — Verizon Wireless today announced that it has completed the conversion of the network it acquired from Valley Telecommunications in October, to provide wireless voice and data service in southeast Arizona on Verizon Wireless' network. Verizon Wireless also completed the first of a series of planned network upgrades, adding a new cell site in Tombstone to better serve customers in the historic western town with expanded coverage and capacity for wireless voice and data calls. With the conversion, customers living in and traveling to Graham, Greenlee and Cochise Counties are now able to make and receive calls without roaming charges. Additional network upgrades are planned in southeast Arizona in 2006 as part of Verizon Wireless' ongoing commitment to deliver the nation's most reliable wireless network.

All former Valley Telecommunications customers were offered a free Verizon Wireless phone as part of the conversion. By dialing *228 on their new phones, they will switch to making and receiving calls on Verizon Wireless' network.

In conjunction with completion of the network conversion, Verizon Wireless also opened a new Communications Store in Sierra Vista located at 2290 E. Fry Blvd. The store is designed to make wireless shopping more convenient for customers and provide access to customer support services.

The new store features a variety of wireless products and services for customers including TXT Messaging, Picture Messaging, NationalAccess wireless Internet access and Get It Now® applications, including ring tones, games, productivity applications and more. The store is also fully staffed for customer service allowing customers to speak with Verizon Wireless' highly trained representatives about all their wireless needs.

Verizon Wireless is currently hiring for sales representative positions in the new Sierra Vista store. Individuals interested in applying can call 1-877-VZW-RETAIL or log onto www.verizonwireless.com/careers. The company offers a competitive salary and benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverage; participation in the company's 401k program with dollar for dollar match up to six percent of salary; tuition reimbursement; an annual bonus program for non-sales employees; profit-sharing, and a long-term incentive program similar to stock options.

Turn Old Phones into a HopeLine®
Customers can turn their old wireless phones and accessories into a HopeLine for victims of domestic violence. Through the Verizon Wireless HopeLine program, used wireless phones, batteries and accessories from any service provider are recycled, or refurbished and sold. Verizon Wireless uses the proceeds to award grants and to donate wireless phones with prepaid airtime to non-profit human services and law enforcement agencies to aid survivors of domestic violence. Wireless phones and equipment can be donated to the HopeLine program year-round at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store across the country, including in Sierra Vista. For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 49.3 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.  

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